Staying Connected With High School Friends in College

Some of my fondest memories are of late summer nights with my high school friends just before we left for college. High school diplomas in hand, we had warm summer nights to ponder our futures.

Though the thought of leaving your friends and hometown can be scary, it’s actually the thought of vulnerability in a new setting that’s intimidating. For the times when you need a little piece of home, here are a few tips on how to stay close to the friends you grew up with.

Visit. That’s right, spend a weekend at your friend’s college and learn about their new surroundings. Hang out with their new friends and build new memories to build upon the old. Your friend most likely will appreciate that you took the time to leave your college to experience theirs.

Continue to talk. This should go without saying, but is more difficult to put into practice. College will keep you busy — from classwork to club meetings to social gatherings. With so many social media outlets, it’s easy to check in with friends by liking their status, but a phone call is more meaningful.

Recognize that both of you will change. A big part of college is growing up, which means you learn a lot about yourself, what you care about and what you don’t. Your views will change. Sometimes you and your best friend from home won’t agree on things. It doesn’t mean you aren’t friends, but it does mean your conversations and interactions with each other might change.

Include them in your new life. College is amazing and you’ll experience so much in a short time. But that doesn’t mean to leave your friends from home behind. All of the new education you’re receiving, the opportunities you’re experiencing and people you’re meeting — share it with the people you care about.